“
An engaging journey through front-country canyons, with a superb peak at the end.”

Overview

None.

From canyon to peak, this run gives you a taste of everything the Santa Barbara front-country has to offer. Expect rolling elevation gains, with the occasional steep climb. It can be a hot slog in the Summer months, but if you time your outing with morning fog it can be quite pleasant. During colder winter months, I've started the trail in balmy 70 degree weather, and finished in snow up at La Cumbre!

Features: Cave — River/Creek — Views — Waterfall — Wildlife

Dogs: Offleash

Need To Know

Shady for the first couple miles, then gets pretty exposed.

Description

Start at Rattlesnake trailhead. Pleasant elevation gain takes you through shaded riparian environments. At the two-mile mark, you hit "the meadow". Take a left after the meadow and pick up the Tunnel Trail connector. Hunker down for a long, steady, exposed, and burly climb. Once you hit the intersection of the connector and Tunnel Trail, turn right. Stunning cliffs tower over you on the right, and beautiful views roll out before you to the left. Long, steady elevation gains get you to Camino Cielo. A little bit of steepish road-running gets you to La Cumbre. Enjoy the view, and get ready for the descent!

Flora & Fauna

It's not called Rattlesnake Canyon for nothing. While not prolific in numbers, I've personally encountered rattlesnakes on two or three occasions. La Cumbre Peak makes you feel like you're in the Sierra! The pine trees are awesome.